KOHLER, Wis. – Nov. 10, 2016 – Kohler Co. has pledged $1 million to help Lakeshore Community Health Care enlarge its Saemann Avenue clinic and bring all medical, dental and behavioral health services under one roof. The expanded clinic will allow LCHC to double the number of patients it can serve over the next two years.

The company’s pledge, spread over four years, funds renovation of the Medical/Behavioral Health Wing, which will be named in Kohler’s honor. The gift will help improve the health of area residents, which in turn supports the overall health of the county’s economy.

“For Sheboygan County to be economically strong and maintain a strong employment base for the companies based here, it is critical that we work together to ensure all residents have access to comprehensive health care, because healthy families can more fully participate in education and employment opportunities,” said Laura Kohler, senior vice president of human resources and stewardship. “Kohler is proud to support the expansion of Lakeshore Community Health Care as part of our company’s overall commitment to supporting vibrant community growth and enriching the quality of life of people who live and work here.”

According to clinic leaders, more than 11,000 of the county’s 110,000 residents have no health insurance and another 17,000 have coverage under an Affordable Care Act high-deductible plan or BadgerCare (Medicaid), which can limit their medical provider options. When the expansion is complete next year, the clinic expects to double its patient load from 6,149 served in 2015 to nearly 13,000 by 2018. The clinic will expand its dental capacity to accommodate 900 dental patients on its wait list, as well as add pediatrics and OB/GYN specialties plus an in-house pharmacy.

“We are so proud of the support we have received from the community, and we are thrilled to see this project move forward,” said Kristin Blanchard Stearns, chief executive officer of LCHC. “Bringing all of our services under one roof will allow us to provide truly integrated care, with patients working with their doctor, dentist, and counselor to improve their health and their lives. There is tremendous need for health care services among under- and uninsured residents of Sheboygan County, and this project allows us to address that need in an important way.”

LCHC hopes to raise $6 million through this capital campaign. With contributions from Kohler, Aurora Health Care, an anonymous donor, and other supporters, the campaign has reached more than half of its goal.

About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of 32,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St Andrews, Scotland. For more details, please visit to KOHLER.com.

About Lakeshore Community Health Care
Lakeshore Community Health Care provides primary and preventative medical care, dental care, and behavioral health services to residents in Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties. The clinic opened in 2012 after six years of planning and currently serves nearly 10,000 low-income and uninsured residents in the two counties. The clinic’s patient-focused care programs offer area families health education and support services free from linguistic, cultural and economic barriers.